"The buildings of Classical Greece have had an extraordinary influence on all the architecture of the western world. Yet, as this book makes clear, their beauty and style evolved out of a long and complex history which began when the earliest inhabitants of Greece were wandering tribesmen living in simple huts made of sticks daubed with mud. The Leacrofts describe how the Greeks built their homes, temples and public buildings as their way of life developed from prehistoric times, through the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations, and on through the Dark Age of Greece. During the late sixth and fifth centuries B.C., however, stone in the form of marble replaced the use of timber and brick as a building material because it was more durable. This development, one of the architectural characteristics of the Classical Period of Greece, resulted in the superb public buildings Athens, in which the Doric and Ionic styles were displayed. Both the text, which is filled with interesting specifics about the building processes, and the illustrations, which are remarkable visual interpretations of Greek life, combine to make excellent tools for anyone interested in our architectural heritage. William R. Scott, Inc., New York." [from front flap] "Hellen and Richard Leacroft, the author and artist of The Buildings of Ancient Egypt, are well known in England for their books on various aspects of architecture and the theater. At present, Mr. Leacroft is Head of the Department of Preliminary Studies in the School of Architecture, Leicester College of Art. Mrs. Leacroft is a teacher specializing in History and Scripture. This book, maticulously researched, was further enhanced by the Leacrofts' extended travels in Greece where they visited and studied all the major sites of antiquity. The ideas which they present in their books are the result of a partnership. Mrs. Leacroft writes the text while Richard Leacroft is responsible for the illustrations. They are currently..."
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